NEW YORK (AP)—Eskendereya has been made the 4-5 favorite for Saturday’s Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack, a final prep race before the Kentucky Derby.
A field of six 3-year-olds was entered Wednesday for the 1 1/8-mile race that carries a purse of $750,000.
Eskendereya comes into the Wood off a victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Florida’s Gulfstream Park on Feb. 20. The colt is one of several Derby hopefuls trained by Todd Pletcher.
Also entered are Gotham winner Awesome Act, Fountain of Youth runner-up Jackson Bend, Tampa Bay Derby runner-up Schoolyard Dreams, Carnivore and Most Happy Fella.
Eskendereya drew the No. 3 post position and will be ridden by John Velazquez.
Awesome Act is the 9-2 second choice.
